Much of the research on first-generation college students (FGS) tends to focus on comparing this population of students to its continuing-generation peers and focuses on in-college experiences. This research looks to answer: (1) are there demographic and pre-college characteristic differences between full-time, FGS at different institutional…

In this study, we aimed to characterize students' inquiry skill profiles and investigate whether students' gender, major, school location and type, and household registration are related to their inquiry skill profiles. By providing an animation-based activity, we engaged students in a scientific inquiry on the atmospheric chemistry of climate…

Noncognitive constructs such as self-efficacy, social awareness, and academic engagement are widely acknowledged as critical components of human capital, but systematic data collection on such skills in school systems is complicated by conceptual ambiguities, measurement challenges and resource constraints. This study addresses this issue by…

Dual enrollment (DE)--where students earn college credits during high school--is expanding rapidly. To facilitate DE, institutional actors across K-12 schools and colleges must build or repurpose structures across separate organizations to determine course offerings, assignments, modality, and composition. Yet the organization and implications of…

The Early College Initiative (ECI) high schools in New York City provide opportunities to take college-credit courses up to the equivalent of an associate's degree while in high school. In this study, we measure the association between attending an ECI high school and college persistence. Our sample is the 3,271 students who graduated from New…

Background: Given the importance of engineers to a nation's economy and potential innovation, it is imperative to encourage more students to consider engineering as a college major. Previous studies have identified a broad range of high school experiences and demographic factors associated with engineering major choice; however, these factors have…

The National Academies Global Forum on Innovation in Health Professional Education hosted a hybrid public workshop in March 2024 to consider the use of admissions strategies for ensuring a sustainable, high-quality workforce that is adequately staffed, reflects the population being served, and is equitably distributed. Speakers explored the…

Much has been written of late regarding the effects on higher education of the shifting demographics in the United States. Many writers seem to focus on colleges that are closing because the shrinking number of 18- to 24-year-olds means declining enrollments. The authors of this article would like to focus on some positive actions and strategies…

Demographic shifts have transformed the racial and ethnic composition of the U.S. undergraduate population. Data from the American Community Survey are used to analyze Latino undergraduate enrollment as well as factors that contribute to the matriculation of undocumented Latino young adults. The article concludes with an overview of the…

The Chancellor of the Oklahoma state system of higher education has focused on two overarching objectives: expanding workforce development efforts and creating paths to a better life for Oklahomans. Oklahoma public institutions and elected officials are partners in developing an educated, engaged workforce prepared to meet the state's current and…

The current study investigated patterns of growth in academic achievement trajectories among American high school students (N = 12,314) that were obtained from a nationally representative, public-use dataset (the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009) in relation to key demographic information (i.e., gender, grade level, socioeconomic status…

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a relationship between dual enrollment engagement and the completion of a certificate or diploma at a Tennessee College of Applied Technology. Other factors such as demographics of race and age was considered as well. This study is useful in providing further information on the transition from…

The Chancellor of the Oklahoma state system of higher education has focused on two overarching objectives: expanding workforce development efforts and creating paths to a better life for Oklahomans. The Regents are working closely with public colleges and universities across the state to advocate for investment in higher education and ensure the…

This study explores a variety of variables with the intent of identifying specific student groups that may struggle with performance in a large general education course. The ultimate objective of this study is to facilitate the success of acknowledged at-risk students. Drawing in part on the theory of social capital, this study examines…

Colorado, like other states across the country, utilizes various strategies to provide students with opportunities to achieve college credit in high school and cultivate seamless P-20 pathways to increase credential completion. For example, Colorado students take rigorous courses in high school through the Advanced Placement (AP) and International…